Interview: Woody Allen on Blue Jasmine

Ever since it opened to raves in July, Woody Allen's Blue Jasmine has figured massively in the awards horse race, particulary in the category of Best Actress: Cate Blanchett's turn as an unperched Manhattan socialite has been considered the unquestioned front-runner. Allen, per his long-standing custom, has done virtually nothing to personally promote the film. (Even when he wins Oscars, he's never there to accept them.) Call this critic happily surprised, then, that he and two others—Variety's Scott Foundas and Entertainment Weekly's Owen Gleiberman—were invited to Allen's Park Avenue editing suite for an exclusive sit-down with the director. Our lengthy discussion touched on many aspects of Blue Jasmine, along with Allen's general filmmaking process and wider concerns. Finally, the Woodman showed us his extensive vinyl collection, the source of so many memorable jazz cues from his movies. Sheepishly, he admitted the records aren't in any particular order. Below are several audio clips from our interview.